Advent Week 1

Hope For Those Who Wait

Friday, December 6

WAIT?  Really?!

​How many of us have received an exciting package in the mail only to see on the outside it reads, “WAIT UNTIL CHRISTMAS TO OPEN”?  How can we wait?  Later, presents begin to appear under the Christmas tree and again, we read “DO NOT OPEN UNTIL CHRISTMAS!” More waiting!

​In Luke’s first chapter, Mary received news from an angel that she would have God’s Son.  She did not understand, yet she was willing to wait for this miracle to happen.  As she waited, she visited her cousin, Elizabeth, who was also expecting a baby.  Both women encouraged each other preparing for their babies while they waited.

​The gospel of Matthew, chapter 2, tells us wise men travelled from the East to Jerusalem following a star, waiting to see the king of the Jews.  When they arrived in the city, they went to King Herod and asked him where this baby had been born.  They waited while Herod consultedhis chief priests and lawyers for their answer.  “In Bethlehem, in Judea” said Herod.  As they continued following the star, these wise men finally “saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him.”  Their wait was worthwhile!

​After this, Joseph had to escape to Egypt taking Mary and baby Jesus since Herod was trying to kill Jesus.  The angel told Joseph, “Stay there until I tell you.”  Joseph waited until Herod’s death and it was safe before he took Jesus and Mary to the land of Israel.  They “rested in the Lord, and waited patiently for him.”  (Psalm 37:7) Jesus grew and was able to do the work God intended for him.

​Waiting is HARD!  However, it is necessary in all parts of life.  Generations before us and after us have experienced and will experience waiting: for exam grades, for school acceptance, for a baby’s birth, test results, and even to open that special gift under the Christmas tree!  

​Advent causes us to wait yet again.  Will we renew the joy of our salvation?  Will we be ready for the light of Christ, God’s only son whom generations before us waited for many years?

“Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”  Isaiah 40:31

Father, waiting is hard.  Help us to wait patiently for you so we will know your will and have a closer relationship with you. Help us to be the light of Christ for others.  In Jesus’ name, Amen